Harbor Freight 20 ton press is changing - Major Changes - Info inside

[ndnchf]

I got a press brake for mine too. It really adds to its versatility. I'm SO glad I added the winch system. It is so much easier to use!

 

[Happy in NC]

I just got the newer 20 ton HF press with the steel or non cast arbor plates. I tried little project that I have and found I can't use the plates in an upright position because they are not cut flat and square and won't stand upright very straight.

I have little experience using a press. I assume it is normal to be able to use the arbor plates in a upright position; yes or no?

If so what would be a good way to true up the edges of these arbor plates? I don't have milling equipment or a disk sander. Anything big and I will have to get it done at a machine shop which may be costly. I see swag off road has some for sale but cost more than the press did. I guess that might be telling me something. Northern Tool has some plainer rectangle plates that may be better.

Any ideas?

If not designed to use upright, Why the different cut out shapes on the 4 sides. For punching those same shapes?

 

[Alpine4x4]

My local ad currently has the coupon to mark the press down to $139.99 and it also includes this coupon for 20% off any press. Neither coupons have any restrictions so they can be stacked together without issue at the register making it roughly $112 + tax.

 

[apollo11]

Lazarus thread
back from the dead

 

[Tallpilot]

My local ad currently has the coupon to mark the press down to $139.99 and it also includes this coupon for 20% off any press. Neither coupons have any restrictions so they can be stacked together without issue at the register making it roughly $112 + tax.

Did you try that in your cart online? That is how I evaluate coupons. I have never seen coupons stack. In fact sometimes I need multiple transactions to use a 20% coupon on one item while using a super coupon on another item.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Did you try that in your cart online? That is how I evaluate coupons. I have never seen coupons stack. In fact sometimes I need multiple transactions to use a 20% coupon on one item while using a super coupon on another item.

I've ran into that issue before at my local store and the manager will override. I've even had them do 20% off overrides for me with no coupon. I'll be buying this press Sunday so I'll know for sure.

 

[Bagherra]

Tried that coupon code online and it said it would not work...

 

[6PTsocket]

Tractor Supply.

$4.49/lb

That used to be my go to source. If you are in South or Central NJ, Fazio steel is even a better source for grade 8, by the lb. They carry up to very large sizes. They have two locations.

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[6PTsocket]

I don't know if they are still around but there used to be generic welded frame presses rated 30 ton and claiming to be US made. They came with whatever cheap Chinese 20 ton bottle jack the dealer decided to throw in. I picked one up at the Carlisle swap meet, quite a while ago for $159. The bottle jack was a Torin Big Red, a popular cheap import. That thing makes two of the little HF press and the jack doesn't leak. I had to return an HF lawn tractor lift for a bad bottle jack, out of the box. Anybody see a pattern here?

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[bc.]

What are people’s thoughts on manual vs air assist in general? I am only looking at a 20T for use at home, pressing wheel bearings and bushings. Not looking at HF, not the best luck with their tools... Difference between two options is $299 vs $499, brand is black widow.

Thanks,
bc.

 

[On-Wheel]

Black Widow,Pit Posse and others are all rebadged China stuff! I have a HF 20T with a 12T air Jack,is kinda cool but not $500 cool.Not all things should be pressed by air.By hand is better for some.So I don't think air is worth your extra $200. for things you described.

 

[ndnchf]

I added a 20 ton air/hydraulic jack to mine. I mostly use it to get the ram close to what i'm pressing. Then I use the hand pump. But for some things, I'll press with air - like splitting a couple pieces of wood for the firepit.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Picked the new model 60603 20 ton up yesterday, didn't really need 20 ton but the difference was so lil in price I got the bigger size plus the smaller until seems a lil flimsy in the store?
Purchased to press bearings off. Casters would be a nice addition, anyone mods theirs with casters please post pics. $150 ish w/ 20% coupon.

 

[StormcrowAz]

Picked the new model 60603 20 ton up yesterday, didn't really need 20 ton but the difference was so lil in price I got the bigger size plus the smaller until seems a lil flimsy in the store?
Purchased to press bearings off. Casters would be a nice addition, anyone mods theirs with casters please post pics. $150 ish w/ 20% coupon.

Casters were the easy mod. These just bolt on:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWO1P2F/?tag=atomicindus08-20

20171114_154846

 

[ndnchf]

Casters are an easy upgrade and make it easy to move in a crowded garage like mine. It is very stable too.

 

[Electricquad]

Any updates on the quality of this unit? I am looking at getting one (doing 3 wheel bearings and the shop labor = the press cost). On the HF website, before about April of 2019 there were a lot of negative reviews, after that date there has been much under 3 stars. Is there still a slop issue with the bolts that make getting it square tricky or are using the right-sized bolts/holes?

 

[melgross]

Any updates on the quality of this unit? I am looking at getting one (doing 3 wheel bearings and the shop labor = the press cost). On the HF website, before about April of 2019 there were a lot of negative reviews, after that date there has been much under 3 stars. Is there still a slop issue with the bolts that make getting it square tricky or are using the right-sized bolts/holes?

Recently I bought the 60603. The choice was that or the older one. That replaced my old 12 ton, which I gave away, and served very well. I didn’t have a problem squaring it up. And for those who think the bolts are bad, they’re not. They’re perfectly fine. They’re well overrated for 20 tons.

There was one problem though. The two “U” beams on top are welded together. The plates between them are cut to match the width of the vertical “U” channels. But whoever welded them together didn’t set it up correctly, so the spacing is too much. A good quarter inch too much. Maybe that’s why some guys have problems aligning it.

I made four eight inch thick plates up out of aluminum, which is fine since there’s no pressure from the pressing on them, and drilled holes for the bolts. With those in place, everything’s fine. I don’t know if all of them have this problem, or by how much. It was sloppy weld set-up.

There are some other minor things, but nothing that’s a show stopper. This is really cheap. People shouldn’t expect a $750 press for $150.